Judd Apatow Delivers Sharp Critique at DGA Awards
Renowned filmmaker Judd Apatow, known for his comedic prowess, took center stage at the Directors Guild of America (DGA) Awards with a series of biting remarks aimed at Hollywood stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. The 57-year-old director didn’t hold back as he humorously roasted the duo during his hosting duties on Saturday night.
Apatow wasted no time diving into the controversy surrounding Lively and Baldoni’s film, “It Ends With Us.” The filmmaker quipped, “So much hazarai over such a terrible movie,” drawing chuckles from the audience. With a quick-witted delivery, he also targeted Lively’s box office success in “Wicked,” joking that “usually to make that much money you have to sue Blake Lively.”
The director didn’t stop there, taking a playful jab at Kevin Costner for the underwhelming performance of his “Horizon” film series. Apatow humorously imagined the disappointment of Costner’s children as they watch the failed movies, highlighting the lighthearted tone of his monologue.
Apatow’s humor extended to other Hollywood figures like Emilia Perez, as he teased the lack of originality in the film industry, particularly referencing an Oscar-nominated film with a political twist. The audience responded with laughter and applause, setting the tone for the evening.
Controversy Surrounding “It Ends With Us”
The backdrop of Apatow’s comedic jabs stems from the tumultuous legal battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, the stars of “It Ends With Us.” The film, based on Colleen Hoover’s novel, became engulfed in controversy upon its release in August 2024, sparking rumors of a feud between the co-stars.
Lively, 37, made headlines when she filed a $250 million lawsuit against Baldoni in December, alleging sexual harassment and a smear campaign orchestrated by the actor. In response, Baldoni, 41, countersued Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds for $400 million, claiming defamation and extortion.
The legal drama escalated further when Baldoni sued the New York Times for $250 million for libel and false light invasion of privacy, following an article detailing Lively’s harassment claims. To defend himself, Baldoni released a trove of evidence, including voice memos and text messages, to challenge Lively’s narrative.
The highly publicized legal battle has captivated audiences nationwide, even becoming a source of humor at industry events like the Critics Choice Awards. Chelsea Handler, while hosting the event, playfully acknowledged the distraction provided by Lively and Baldoni’s feud, garnering laughs and applause from attendees.
Looking Ahead
As the legal proceedings continue, Lively and Baldoni’s trial is set for March 2026, promising further twists and turns in the ongoing saga. The Hollywood community eagerly awaits the outcome, curious to see how the drama between the two stars unfolds.
In the fast-paced world of showbiz, where headlines can change in an instant, the saga of Lively and Baldoni serves as a reminder of the complexities that lie beneath the glamour of the silver screen. As the legal battle rages on, one thing is certain—the entertainment industry is never short on surprises.
